Tackling Tuberculosis: Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Celebrates World TB Day

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is committed to ending tuberculosis (TB) and raising awareness about its impact on millions of people worldwide. On March 24th, the department celebrates World TB Day, which highlights the importance of working together to eliminate this infectious disease. This year’s theme is “Yes! We Can End TB,” emphasizing the need for collective efforts to combat TB.

TB is a preventable and treatable airborne disease that can have severe consequences if left untreated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends individuals get tested for TB through a blood test. Most cases result from latent TB infection (LTBI), which occurs when a small amount of TB bacteria is present but suppressed by the immune system, preventing the spread of TB. However, without treatment, LTBI can progress to active TB, causing serious health problems such as lung damage and even death. Treatment options are available for both LTBI and active TB.

Dr. Henning Ansorg, Public Health Officer and County TB Controller, encourages community members to ask their healthcare providers about testing for LTBI as a preventive measure. In 2022, Santa Barbara County had a higher incidence rate of TB (4.3 cases per 100,000) compared to the national average in the United States (2.5 cases per 100,000). Collaborative efforts with local health providers, clinics, hospitals, and organizations help raise awareness about TB risk factors and provide information on testing and treatment options to identify those at risk and prevent active disease development.

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department emphasizes the importance of treating TB infection before it progresses to active disease. The department invites medical professionals and community members to join them in their mission to end TB by raising awareness about its risks, prevention measures, testing options, and treatment plans available through local healthcare providers or online resources such as https://www[.]cdc[.]gov/.